WASHINGTON, D.C.: US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announced plans on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) to visit Macedonia, ahead of a referendum that could end a years-long spat with Greece over the country’s name and pave the way for it to join NATO. The Pentagon chief said he was concerned Russia might be attempting to interfere in the outcome of the election, which if successful could also eventually see Macedonia join the EU. “Democracies should be left alone,” Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon. He added: “I’m going there to make very clear we stand with the Macedonian people.” Mattis’s trip to Macedonia next weekend comes after NATO in July formally invited the Balkan nation to join the Western defense alliance. AFPLoading...

Source: Manila Times September 12, 2018 16:07 UTC